Aluwa (අලුවා)
Enjoyed especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, this nutty sweetmeat which is also known as the Sri Lankan cashews slice is a simple dessert to prepare. You will be able to taste the roasted rice flour, a little bit of fragrance from the cardamom and also the nuttiness of the cashew once you bite into the gooey goodness.
A traditional New Year sweet, the Aluwa can be enjoyed any time during the year if you can get your hands on the ingredients. We have provided you with an easy recipe that Sri Lankans follow.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs roasted Rice Flour (you can but plain rice flour and roast it)
- 4 cups Coconut Treacle
- 25 raw Cashews chopped
- 4-5 Cardamom Pods (grounded)
Method
Boil the treacle in a saucepan While it is boiling, place the rice flour in a large skillet over a medium-low heat, and gently roast for 5 minutes. Keep on stirring the flour so it doesn't burn. Once the treacle is boiled, add the cashews and the cardamom and mix well. Then incorporate the roasted rice flour a little at a time but make sure you work it quite fast since the dough gets stiff quickly When the mixture thickens transfer on to a well floured board, Spread the dough to form a 1 inch or less thick block. Cut into pieces of any shape you prefer.Let it cool and serve.
